Temporary Footwear Modification Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a temporary footwear modification device, more particularly a temporary footwear modification device for converting ordinary footwear such as shoes or boots into use for golf. Many golfers wear special shoes with spikes attached to the soles. Changing shoes for a small period of time playing can be frustrating, especially in bad weather. According to the present invention there is provided a temporary footwear modification device; comprising a holster placed over a shoe in use, to provide a sole and netting, wherein said netting grips the footwear heel and toe; and said sole presents a plurality of rigid spikes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a temporary footwear modification device, more particularly a temporary footwear modification device for converting ordinary footwear such as shoes or boots into use for golf.

BACKGROUND

With increasing wealth and modernity, greater democracy is visible in many places, such that rules, regulations and laws are enacted to provide greater equality of access to a majority of locales. This means that many previously shut out or barred access to some situations are now free to enter. Increasing numbers of leisure golfers are now enabled to use golf facilities previously reserved to a few.

Correct golf shoes with grips can help to aid in playing golf and are a requirement on many golf courses. Many golfers wear special shoes with spikes attached to the soles. These can be made of metal or plastic soft spikes designed to increase traction, helping the player or user to keep balance during a swing, on greens, or in wet conditions. However, golf shoes can be expensive and certain factors may put users off buying proper golf shoes such as; a beginner who may not continue with the sport or a young player whose shoe size is constantly changing.

A casual or leisure golfer may therefore feel inhibited from visiting golfing facilities and taking full enjoyment from their visit. Changing shoes for a small period of time playing can be frustrating, especially in bad weather.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Publication WO-A1-2008/056906 (WOOKYUNG) reveals a crampon for golf shoes and climbing irons, and US-A1-2011/0154690 (BRENDAN) reveals shoe holsters. Most such prior art shoe holsters are intended to improve traction on slippery grass, mud, snow, and ice.

Publication US-A1-2004/0137998 (SHARELL) reveals a golf swing stabilizer. It utilizes a clumsy wrap around a shoe. The tension the person applies when wrapping varies, or the position of the wrap varies. It is difficult for a person to achieve the same orientation of their foot when wrapping or when inserting a spike to connect the tether to the ground.

Publication US 3606341 (HONBARGER) reveals a golfer's foot holding device. It consists of an elongated pliable member to be wrapped around a golfer's foot and therefore also suffers from the difficulties of applying a wrap to a foot in use. It also utilizes a spike which must be inserted in ground and which practically prevents the golfer from walking.

Granted U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,438 (COLOMBERTI) discloses a golf aid apparatus, comprising, in combination: a rod having a length a top strap affixed to a bottom strap, the top strap joined to the bottom strap by a combined loop, the combined loop fitted around the rod; an elastic shoe strap having an attachment to the top strap and the bottom strap, the attachment opposite the combined loop, the shoe strap selectively fitted around and proximal to a toe of a user's shoe, the top strap fitted over the shoe, the bottom strap fitted under the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,333 (TSEN) discloses a water-proof golf footwear comprising: a golf shoe having a plurality of spikes studded from a sole of said shoe; and a water-proof jacket made of water-proof elastic materials and detachably engageable with said shoe.

European patent application EP 1 958 526 (GOEBBELS) discloses a sports shoe that has a fastener with two corresponding fastening units for connecting an upper sole section and a lower sole section. The fastening units are arranged on surfaces of the upper and lower sole sections, respectively, where the surfaces face a separating region. The sports shoe is implemented in such a manner that the sports shoe is utilizable both with the removed lower sole section and with the fastened lower sole section.

Granted European patent EP 1 742548 (GRIMMEISEN) discloses an ordinary shoe fitted with a removable device to convert an ordinary shoe into a sports shoe when so required, this device being composed of two strips designed to be placed under the forefoot and under the heel respectively.

Korean patent application KR 2010 0 016 864 (PARK) discloses a spike overshoes used as a golf shoes and a crampon is provided to prevent secession in the wearing condition by being fixed to ankle of a wearer.

Canadian patent application CA 2 179 334 (CARLINGTON) discloses an overshoe for use with shoes to provide ground traction comprising: a flexible sole member.

In contrast the present invention provides a time efficient, cost-effective means of converting ordinary footwear as worn by all forms of user, into golfing footwear which can help improve a user's game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a temporary footwear modification device comprising a pair of holsters, each holster has a network of interconnected straps forming a netting, a hitch, and a sole; each holster is adapted to be placed over an item of footwear whereby the netting grips the sole onto the item of footwear; the modification device has a detachable tether fixable to the hitch of each holster for orientating and separating the holsters one from another.

Preferably the temporary footwear modification device; comprises a holster placed over a shoe in use, to provide a sole and netting, wherein said netting grips the footwear heel and toe; and said sole presents a plurality of rigid spikes.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the sole and netting are made of the same material, however in other embodiments the sole may be formed in a rigid or non-elastic material so that the netting acts to fit the sole onto a user's shoe or boot sole in use, enabling a plurality of footwear to be converted or amended to provide spikes or cleats.

In yet further embodiments the sole and netting are similar in format as well as material, for example wherein the sole is formed in a grid or perforated mesh, or more particularly in some embodiments wherein the sole provides raised and lowered parts so as to provide texture and grip, through engaging ground between the raised parts, or ribs, and the lowered parts, or lacunae.

Typically in all preferred embodiments and according to a third aspect of the present invention the spikes therefore are preferably dispersed or arranged in groupings, for example in order that the sole may deform or stretch without causing problems to the sole or dislocating the spikes or weakening the sole.

The spikes are preferably situated in at least one patty, said patty being ideally elastic or flexible. In this way it may be envisaged that a plurality of patties are disposed about the sole.

In some embodiments said patties may be removed or detached from the sole, in order for example that spikes may be replaced or altered. Typically therefore said patties provide standardized spike attachments or modules.

Preferably at least one patty is situated at a foremost portion of the sole in use, such as under a user's ball of foot.

Preferably at least one patty is situated at a rearmost portion of the sole in use, such as under the user's heel. In this way the spikes may be certain to provide extra traction as required by a user in use.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there may be provided a strap or belt that passes over the user's arch in use, so as to ensure that the temporary footwear modification device remains in place. This strap may therefore act to stretch the sole and prevent the spikes moving. Accordingly said strap may be provided with a fastening mechanism such as corresponding hook and loop sections like VELCRO (Trade Mark), button, press stud or buckle. A strap according to this aspect means a user may be enabled to ensure a good fit, and ensure the temporary footwear modification device is not liable to cause ripping when or if the holster elasticity degrades.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention preferably there may be provided a guide or tether in use which may be used to help focus a user's training or provide guide means relating to stance, foot orientation and/or distances. This guide in such embodiments typically comprises a length of string, tape or band, being fixed at tether hitches on the temporary footwear modification device. Said hitches are ideally situated at the holster front, but may be envisaged to be equipped about the holster as appropriate.

In some embodiments there may be provided means by which to secure the temporary footwear modification device to a shoe, so that the device may be prevented from movement or slippage, and accordingly the user may prevent hazardous or uncomfortable ankle or foot slippage. For example this means may comprise screw in studs or push in pins, allowing easy means of securement that may be appropriate for a plurality of shoe or more particularly sole material.

Preferably the temporary footwear modification device comprises a holster placed over a footwear in use, to provide a sole and netting, wherein said netting grips the shoe's heel and toe; and said sole presents a plurality of rigid spikes. Preferably the sole and netting are made of equal material. Preferably the spikes therefore are arranged in groupings

Preferably the present invention comprises a tether, preferably detachable from the pair of holsters. In use the tether is attached to the holsters and provides guide means relating to stance, foot orientation and distance between the shoes.

With the present invention there is a pair of shoe holsters, each comprising a means to attach a tether and the tether itself.

The present invention provides a hitch on each holster to connect to the tether so that a person's feet are orientated consistently by the tether.

With the present invention, the combination of the means to connect to a tether on each holster (e.g. a hitch) and the tether provides a simple way for a person to set the distance and orientation of the shoe holsters.

The present invention aids a golfer to practice by helping them consistently practice with their feet in an ideal orientation until this stance becomes ingrained. With present invention, the golfer can practice hitting shots consistently from an ideal stance.

The present invention is useful for a golfer recovering from a foot or a leg injury to help them re-find the ideal orientation of their feet in their stance when swinging a club.

With the present invention there is no need to anchor a foot to the ground to set its orientation because the tether that connects the shoe orients them correctly with respect to each other.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 show isometric views of preferred embodiments of the temporary footwear modification device; And

FIG. 2 show a top and side view of the preferred embodiment of the temporary footwear modification device holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the temporary footwear modification device comprising a pair of holsters. Each holster has a network of interconnected straps (2) forming a netting. Each holster also has a sole (1).

Each holster is adapted to be placed over an item of footwear and for the netting, formed by the interconnected straps (2), to grip and fit the sole (1) onto the item of footwear.

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the footwear modification device provides a slip on overshoe. The footwear modification device comprises a holster for an item of footwear that adds spike grips to the user's footwear, transforming the user's footwear into appropriate golf attire.

In the pictured and preferred embodiment the holster is formed of elastomer netting which defines a sole (1) and strapping (2), wherein said strapping (2) surrounds the item of footwear (not shown) in use, and patties (3) for receipt of studs (4) providing spikes (5).

These studs (4) may be standard issue, detachable and tailorable for conditions in force.

The footwear modification device has a detachable tether (10). The tether (10) can be linked between hitches (6) on each holster and used to join items of footwear, such as shoes, together.

The detachable tether is fixable to the hitch (6) of each holster for orientating and separating the holsters one from another. Thus the footwear modification device can be used to train and improve the user when practicing hitting the ball by helping the user train their feet to take on the orientation and separation aided by the holsters linked by the tether (10).

The preferred embodiments may be defined therefore as an elasticized grip in the form of a holster that stretches over various shoes providing golf shoe spikes (5) on underside of said rubber grips.

The securing straps (2) improve user grip and prevent slippage of the embodiment from a user's foot. In addition or the alternative the embodiment comes in a few sizes which each accommodate a range of shoe sizes. The embodiment is ideal for golfers looking for a temporary and quick to use solution to golf shoe spikes and beginners and children. 

1. A temporary footwear modification device comprising a pair of holsters, each holster has a network of interconnected straps (2) forming a netting, a hitch (6), and a sole (1); each holster is adapted to be placed over an item of footwear whereby the netting grips the sole (1) onto the item of footwear; the modification device has a detachable tether (10) fixable to the hitch (6) of each holster for orientating and separating the holsters one from another.
 2. A temporary footwear modification device according to claim 1 in which the sole comprises a push in pin for securing the temporary footwear modification device to the item of footwear thereby preventing movement between the temporary footwear modification device and the item of footwear in use.
 3. A temporary footwear modification device according to claim 2 wherein the sole (1) comprises detachable spikes (5) for ambling traction.
 4. A temporary footwear modification device according to claim 1 in which the detachable tether (10) is a string or tape.
 5. A temporary footwear modification device according to claim 1 in which the sole (1) and netting are made of the same material. 